From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed immediate and comprehensive investigation into allegations of criminal activities within the Okere Correctional Centre, Warri, Delta State, which have recently been reported in the media.
Report in an online portal had it that some inmates of the correctional centre had sneaked out with the aid of undisclosed officials to carry out a robbery operation which occurred on January 3, 2025 in Benin City, Edo State.
It was alleged armed assailants had attacked a young man, stole his valuables, and transferred N4 million from his account to an online bank account.
According to reports the suspected armed men turned out to be some inmates after police investigation traced the robbery to a woman in Udu, near Warri.
It was learnt that police investigation revealed that the suspected bank account used for the transaction was traced to a woman in Udu area of Delta State, though she denied knowledge of the said crime.
During interrogation, she revealed that her boyfriend, whom she met online, instructed her to open the account, claiming his phone had fallen into a river.
She told investigators that the ‘boyfriend’ later asked her to withdraw and transfer a certain large sums of money credited to the account.
Sources disclosed that attempts by police to arrest the suspects when they stormed the prison were resisted by officials but one inmate on death row who confessed to participating in the crime was later arrested.
According to report, officials reportedly refused to release three other suspects to the police for further investigation.
An Executive Assistant (Security) to the Delta State Governor, Engr. Udoka Emmanuel Chika-Dibie, and a public affairs analyst, Comrade Israel Joe confirmed the report, condemning the actions of the Okere Prison authorities and warned of mass protests if the suspects are not handed over.
However, reacting to the development in a statement by Babatunde Alao, SA on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, on Wednesday, the Minister strongly condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour and emphasizes that any form of indiscipline and misconduct will be met with severe consequences.
“I will not allow indiscipline to fester under my nose. Any officer found wanting will face the full weight of the law. The leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) must provide explanations,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister reiterates his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of justice within correctional service system.
“We take these allegations seriously and will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our correctional facilities,” he added.
The Minister calls on the general public to provide any relevant information that may aid in the investigation.